On Being a British Girl in America

As my student visa approaches its expiration date, I find myself reflecting on my experience as a British girl living in America — and what others may take from it.

I traveled across the pond in August 2025 with two suitcases, one carry-on and $25 in cash. Now, as the semester comes to an end, I’ll be returning to England to finish my studies — this time with two more suitcases.

I joined the Exponent in the fall of 2025 after stumbling across its Instagram page. Now, after working here as a culture reporter for two semesters, I've learned more about Montanans than I could ever have expected.

When you ask people about their passions, they can talk for hours, often with a sense of wonder in their voices — something I find truly inspiring. This is my favorite part of working this job.

Passions can sometimes get lost in the rush of everyday life, but writing for the Exponent has shown me how important it is to hold on to them and continue pursuing what you truly enjoy.

Additionally, I have been lucky enough to teach a dance class at MSU twice a week. Seeing people from my classes around campus — whether it be stopping to chat or exchanging smiles — is something I really value.

I traveled across the pond in August 2025 with two suitcases, one carry-on and $25 in cash. Now, as the semester comes to an end, I’ll be returning to England to finish my studies — this time with two more suitcases.

Dance is one of my passions, and being able to share that with others has meant a lot to me. It has allowed me to connect with people beyond words and through movement. The vibe in my dance classes is unmatched, despite many of us coming from different backgrounds and sometimes speaking different languages. There is a real sense of community.

Coming from a different country has presented some culture shocks, one of which was shooting a firearm. The idea of being able to legally own a gun is something I’m not sure I will ever fully get used to. Some days, I forget that people can own guns here, and then I go to Walmart and see a rack of them for sale, or sit down in class and see people in front of me online shopping for different ammunition or firearm types.

Through the Exponent, I had the opportunity to shoot a gun in a safe environment for an article. Holding something so powerful in my hands felt strange at first, but as I began shooting at the targets, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in an action movie. Facing the discomfort from holding a gun helped me better understand why some people may use them recreationally, rather than judging guns altogether. While I still see them as powerful weapons and would prefer to stay away from them, the experience gave me a new perspective.

The food in America is also something I have to mention. It almost always tastes great and is full of flavor, but there have been moments when I’ve missed typical English foods like baked beans — yes, we do eat them — jacket potatoes and crumpets. I've learnt to balance bold flavors and new experiences with an appreciation for simpler ones, embracing both cultures and lifestyles along the way.

For me, the food here can feel like a disco in your mouth every day, when sometimes all I want is a quiet dinner party. I’ve eaten more fried chicken during my two semesters here than I think I ever have before visiting the U.S. — I’m still not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Also, I have discovered a love for ranch and Chipotle bowls, which are things I’ll definitely miss.

When people from the States first discover that I’m English, they will say one of two things: “Can you say bottle of water?” or “Why did you come here?”

Firstly, it does amuse me that people are so fascinated by my accent. Secondly, there are many reasons why I chose MSU specifically, but it was mainly because Montana is completely different from home, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a new environment that would challenge me. 

The mountains, the skiing and the overall vibe of the people here all played a part. Coming to an unfamiliar place forces you to learn about yourself, and in turn helps you better understand others, which is why I encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and go somewhere unknown.

But now that I’ve grown used to this environment, I think going back home might be a challenge in itself.

Before I sign off from the Exponent, I want to thank everyone who read my articles, attended my dance classes and welcomed me into their lives. While moving to the U.S. came with its own set of difficulties, it has also given me a new sense of home.